The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 101 on religious freedom restoration. Co-sponsor Rep. McMillin offered an amendment clarifying that the bill applies only to governmental action and does not authorize a private cause of action. The amendment passed 9-3. Sponsor Rep. Wesco explained that the bill restores the strict scrutiny standard of review for governmental intrusions on an individual’s exercise of religion. A governmental entity may burden a person’s exercise of religion if the burden: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest, and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. The bill provides a procedure for remedying a violation of this law. Extensive testimony was heard in support of and in opposition to the bill. The amended bill passed 9-4.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/senate/101.